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AUTHORS BEWARE

So often lately I hear stories of new and emerging authors being taken advantage of.

We put so much heart and soul into what we create that it’s devastating when things don’t work out as planned.

It seems harder and harder to get published in today’s marketplace so people are prepared to take more and more risks.

But please thoroughly explore all options you are considering before you commit to anything.

I am hoping this resource will help save you from financial loss and heartache.

If you’ve had a bad experience with a publisher or agent, and you’d like to warn others, please feel free to contact me on dee*at*deescribe*dot*com*dot*au so that I can warn others.

Please note that I won’t be able to publish anything slanderous, but I will be able to advise people to consider their options.

Some tips to start with:

If you decide to partnership or self-publish, ALWAYS Google the company you are considering, followed by ‘complaints’. For example, I’ve only heard feedback about Xlibris Publishing from unhappy customers. Before you consider publishing with a company like them, Google “Xlibris Publishing complaints”, and read why customers might not be happy with their experience. This will help you to assess the risks of dealing with any company.

Ask around. We all have to start somewhere, but writers with experience are generally very willing to help others.

Contact industry organisations like the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) or your state writer’s centre.

Ask on social media if anyone is willing to share their experiences of dealing with that company.

If you give ‘World Rights’ to a publisher, ask for a reversion clause in the contract. For example, if world rights are not used ask for them to revert back to you after a period of a year or 24 months. That way you can pursue other international opportunities.

Some publishers may require you to buy a certain number of author copies. Check your contract to make sure you are not committing to buy more than you can afford/or think you can sell.

If you’ve had a bad experience with a publisher or agent, and you’d like to warn others, please feel free to contact me on dee*at*deescribe*dot*com*dot*au and I will publish it here if appropriate. Of course I will maintain your anonymity.

Sunshine Coast International Readers and Writer’s Festival.

I was one of a number of authors who was promised payment for this 2017 event, but have received no money. In spite of saying there was no money to pay us because the event ran at a loss, the organisers already have sponsors lined up for a 2018 event. I have real concerns that authors participating in this event will not receive payment either.